Over the years, I have worked deliberately for the education system to be a source of equality and justice for my Self and my peoples. As I began my first- year in college, I was met with many challenges and barriers as a young North Cheyenne student from the Winnebago Reservation. I was on a campus with 24,000 plus students from across the state and the world. It was exhilarating and challenging.

The Student Support Services Program was instrumental in empowering me with free academic tutoring so I could complete coursework and finish my degree. The summer I spent with the McNair Program gave me a solid foundation to pursue a career in research and go for my Ph.D. The support from both TRIO Programs assisted me with a positive re-negotiation of my role within the institution of higher education.

The honor is all mine to give back to our students, in particular, our first-generation students with creative strategies to assist them academically, socially, and to equip them with opportunities to share their talents, perspective, and voices.

I currently serve my community as the Director of Inclusion, Equality, and Diversity for the Lindberg School District. I have experienced what is it like to be a minority in America all of my life. I recognized differences in people and find ways to promote equality and inclusion in life into a daily routine.

The McNair Program instilled a work ethic within me to always go for the best. It pushed me to get my EdD to make the most impactful positions within K-12 and higher education options for myself. I have had numerous experiences impacting students and young adults throughout my careers as a college Residence Hall Director, Coordinator for Multicultural Affairs, and professionally as a classroom teacher in 3rd and 6th grades, and working with homeless teenage boys in the school district where my wife and I serve as house parents together.

I feel the best way to improve race relations in this county, is therefore in our schools as part of this county, is through conversation, dignity and understanding of varying perspectives.